State Skilled Migration Updates: ACT, WA and Tasmania on Key Changes and Invitation Rounds
Some updates have been released across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Western Australia (WA) and Tasmania regarding their skills migration programs, impacting both current and prospective applicants.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT government is set to hold a nomination invitation round for its Canberra Matrix program on Wednesday (10 December 2025). Additionally, the ACT government has updated its nomination guidelines for Canberra residents, which are:
Salary thresholds have been raised to align with recent labour market changes.
The streamlined pathway for Subclass 482 visa holders has been discontinued.
These changes will apply to all Canberra Matrix submissions made on or after 1 February 2026, allowing for a transition period.
Western Australia (WA)
The Western Australian government conducted an invitation round for its State nomination migration program on 5 December 2025.
A total of 1,058 invitations were issued for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa.
742 invitations were issued for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa.
Tasmania (TAS)
The Tasmanian government has made minor adjustments to its skilled migration program. Importantly, any existing Registrations of Interest (ROIs) will not be affected by these changes. Here are the key adjustments:
Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway Subclass 491 (Orange-plus attribute)
The score for relevant employment (more than 12 months but less than 18 months in a skills-assessed role, earning at least $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour) has increased from 30 points to 35 points.
Orange attribute for prior Australian industry experience has been amended. It now applies to candidates with 2 years of relevant prior Australian industry experience, currently earning more than the National Minimum Wage but less than $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour).
Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathways Subclass 190 and 491 (Orange-plus attribute)
The restriction on not having commenced a graduate program has been removed. The attribute for a graduate program offer can now be claimed if the offer was made within the previous 12 months, regardless of whether the graduate has already commenced the role. The program must be full-time, related to skills assessment, and from a Tasmanian business (20+ employees, operating for more than 5 years).
Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway (Subclass 190) (Minimum requirements):
To meet the minimum requirement, eligible business operations must now demonstrate a net profit after generating a minimum personal income equal to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently $76,515), for at least the past 2 years.
Related: NSW GSM Program 2025-26: Pathways Opening in Jan 2026
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
National Skilled Migration Allocation 2025-26 Released: All States Breakdown
Claim Work Experience Points for GSM: Onshore vs. Offshore Remote Work
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you’re planning to apply for a subclass 190 or 491 visa, understanding how nomination numbers align with your occupation, points score, and chosen state can significantly impact your strategy. If you have any doubts, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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